Page 109 of Fake it for Keeps

“All good things, I hope,” Hallie said.

“The best things.” Frankie turned back to me. “I’ll tell Colt you’re here if I see him before you do.”

“Oh, I was actually planning to stop by the office after this,” I said. “Surprise him before his afternoon meetings. I told him I would bring him lunch.”

“He’d like that.” Frankie squeezed my arm. “He’s been in a good mood all week. Wonder why.”

I felt my cheeks heat. “No clue.”

“I’m just saying.” She grinned. “Anyway, I should get going. Nice meeting you both!”

She waved and headed for the exit, and I sank back into the booth.

“She seems nice,” April observed.

“She is.” I paused, trying to find the right words. “She’s been really welcoming. Especially this past week. And she’s a freaking genius when it comes to dressing me. I know she does most of the wardrobe stuff for me, and I literally need her to choose all my clothing from now on.”

“Speaking of this past week,” Hallie said, leaning forward with a gleam in her eye. “Spill. Everything. Because you’re glowing and his sister says he’s in a good mood. Details, lady. Details!”

I took a deep breath. “Okay. So. Things with Colt have changed.”

“Changed how?” April asked.

“We’ve gotten closer. Like, really close.” I played with the stem of my wine glass. “We have breakfast together, dinner together. He’s been showing me his ring designs, and we talk about our families and our childhoods.”

“And you’re sleeping with him,” Hallie finished.

I shrugged innocently. “Sleep’s not all we do in his bed.”

They laughed and clapped.

“It’s got to be amazing, judging by that flush on your cheeks,” April teased. “Details, remember. We need them all.”

“It’s good, huh?” Hallie pushed.

I didn’t think Colt would mind if I stroked his ego a little. “Yes, but it’s not just that.” I met their eyes. “I told him the truth. About how we know each other. About high school.”

April’s eyes went wide. “You told him about the beach?”

“Yeah. And he apologized. Really, genuinely apologized. He explained what happened. His friends dragged him to a party and he made a stupid choice. He said he wished he could take it back.”

“And you believe him?” Hallie asked carefully.

“I do. Because he didn’t have to admit remembering at all. He could have pretended he had no idea what I was talking about. But he owned up to it and didn’t make excuses. He felt bad about it.” I took a sip of wine. “And I’ve decided… I’m giving up on the whole vengeance thing.”

The table went silent.

“Just like that?” Hallie finally asked.

“I knew you were too pure-hearted to actually go scorched earth on him,” April said, but she was smiling. “I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

“You have?”

“Babe, you’ve been falling for him since that first time you brought him lunch. Maybe before that.” April reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “The vengeance plan never really fit you.”

“I was going to do it,” I insisted. “I was going to make him fall in love with me and then walk away and break his heart and enjoy every second of it. I wanted to hurt him like he hurt me. Give him a good healthy dose of pain to hopefully teach him a lesson so he’ll never do it to anyone else.”

“But?” Hallie prompted.